What Is A Stem File

As an open multi-track audio format, Stems enhances creative possibilities for DJs, producers, and live performers. A Stem file contains a track split into four musical elements: A drums stem, a bassline stem, a melody stem, and a vocal stem for example.

The Stem format provides the ability to freely interact with a track’s different musical elements. Each ‘stem’ can be controlled independently to create instant new mixes, mashups, instrumentals, a cappellas, and more.

[TheDJTalkShow]

It's a great idea. Let's just hope that many more producers, labels and not to mention the DJ software and hardware companies support this.

[johnsuggs]

A *track, * sometimes called multi-tracks or individual raw audio, are the individual sounds for each channel without any processing.
A *Stem* is say the drum section mixed down to two tracks/stereo. Each individual drum sound, provided they were recorded separately to their own channel/track, *IS* *NOT* sent as a separate audio file. Instead they're blended/mixed down to a single stereo that represents each section of the song. Drums, vocals, guitars. Effects processing is also included in each stem.
So with sending tracks, you send the raw un-processed audio that represents each sound that was given it's own channel when it was recorded.
And sending stems is sending the sections of the song. Rather than sending a kick, snare, Hi-Hat, toms tracks, you send the whole drum mix as a single mixed down audio file with effects and everything.

[sandbachlad]

My life is now complete, what a great idea.

[gnostictv]

very solid and helpful information, Thank you.

[jondeatrick]

Thank you for explaining. Very helpful.

[vitalyfutoriansky]

The problem is that to make it work, you need a cooperation with the labels and the mastering services. It's not enough for an artist to create a track, the idea is great in general but it's hard to make it happen due to all the parts involved

[johnvdl]

Only interesting when enough stem tracks are available, especially from the big names in the music industry that probably wont create many stem files and most will be home made like the very limited and poor remix files that are now available for tractor. I will definitely use this when I see enough material from known artists!

[farley]

Ok, so: I really like the idea of multi-channel MP4 export. Thumbs up for that. Also I understand why only 4 tracks. Basic, easy mixable elements. Great idea. Only thing I don't like about it is how it's marketed. "Create new revenue for your bussines." ? ...I mean what's open about it then? You essentially say: "DJ's, you'll have to pay much more for your music to be able to use this feature". Only thing that makes it legally "open" is that none of that new money goes to Native Instruments. That transformation to a premium distribution channel (Which distributors are adviced to do by this one sentense.) is first nail in the coffin for this otherwise pretty cool idea, imho.

[dablet]

what is the file extension? is it .mp4 or .stems? or is it a collection of mp3 files in 1 folder?

[flip]

Most people in this comment section dont know what the hell they are talking about and didn't even pay attention to the video lol

[Unkraut]

so it's like a .tiff file, just for music? The idea would've been interesting a few years back; by now I guess it's unnecessary to have...

[rapperupcoming]

If a producer produce a hip hop beat & send to me what is the charge should I pay it's my 1st time

[simibuflu]

I literally thought this was a joke video.

[Leonardo-jvls]

Well. Istill got a question here. What is stems?

[RIKAAR_Ambient]

It´s a very vey bad quality if you render it with a PC/Windows...And theres NO Native SUPPORT...till today august 2017

[PONYBOYonline]

I'm a little bit confused.  What is so new about stems?  Or is this focusing on the movement to get stems available on a commercial scale?

[TheOfficialFba]

Great idea. But i want to use it with my CDJ 2000Nexus - DJM 2000Nexus. Not with that traktor. Make it happen.

[Alds___]

so i bought stems for a dnb track and its an mp4 file. how would i go about remixing this track on logic x?

[crazylikethatglue]

So where can I order stemfiles of Stevie wonder tracks?

[thedevo]

This new protocol would deserve a better demo video.